Abia State Declares War on Expired Drugs, Vows Jail Term for Offenders

The Abia State Government has announced plans to amend existing legislation, imposing stringent penalties, including imprisonment, on individuals involved in the distribution of such expired drugs. Governor Alex Otti made this declaration during a meeting held in Aba with officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and representatives from Ariaria, Eziukwu, and Tenant Road markets. The session also included the Chairman of Aba South Local Government Council, Mr. Anyanwu Obialor, and the Director of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) in Abia State, Mrs. Ngozi Nzenwata.

Governor Otti, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ukoha Njoku, issued a stern warning to traders, urging them to dissociate from the malicious activities of those dealing in expired drugs and counterfeit medicines. He emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating this menace, stating that as enforcement intensifies within the markets, perpetrators may attempt to relocate their operations to suburban areas.

The Governor cautioned property owners about the potential consequences of harboring such activities, including the sealing of premises and prolonged investigations.

Earlier in the meeting, NAFDAC’s Zonal Director, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, announced the agency’s decision to reopen shops that were previously sealed but found not to be involved in the sale of illegal or counterfeit products. He clarified that certain establishments would remain closed until their owners are thoroughly investigated and cleared of any wrongdoing.

Mr. Iluyomade expressed disappointment that previous initiatives, including training programs and offers of free NAFDAC registration aimed at encouraging traders to transition to legitimate businesses, were not embraced by some individuals in the Eziukwu market.

Mrs. Ngozi Nzenwata, Director of PCN in Abia State, highlighted the necessity for the establishment of a Medicine Mart or Wholesale Coordinating Centre (CWC) to facilitate proper regulation of pharmaceutical sales within the state. She appealed for governmental support in realizing this objective, which is crucial for monitoring and ensuring the distribution of safe medications to the public.

Supporting this stance, Aba South LGA Chairman, Mr. Anyanwu Obialor, condemned the actions of individuals masquerading as traders while engaging in the sale of harmful consumables. He pledged unwavering collaboration with both the state government and NAFDAC to enforce severe repercussions for those found culpable. Mr. Obialor further disclosed that the council would revoke the licenses of shops implicated in the counterfeiting or sale of expired products within the markets.

Market union leaders, including Mr. Mike Okoro and Mr. Moses Ibe of Eziukwu market, Mr. James Nwogu of Ekumi/Ariaria market, and Mr. Chimezie Ugwu of Tenant Road markets, expressed gratitude towards NAFDAC and Governor Otti for the reconsideration and reopening of certain shops that were initially sealed. They committed to actively collaborating with authorities to eradicate the counterfeiting and sale of illegal products, while also appealing for leniency and reassessment concerning the remaining closed establishments.

This initiative by the Abia State Government underscores a broader national effort to address the critical issue of counterfeit and expired drugs, which pose significant health risks to the populace. The collaboration between state authorities, regulatory agencies, and market stakeholders is pivotal in ensuring the availability of safe and effective medications, thereby safeguarding public health and restoring confidence in the pharmaceutical supply chain.